"New England is quite as large a lump of earth as my heart can really take in." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Barbour Beaufort vs. Bedale

Bedale in Navy

Many ask about the differences between the Barbour Beaufort and the Barbour Bedale.

Here are examples of each. One of the best ways to organize the differences is to understand that the Bedale was designed (in 1980) for equestrian purposes while the Beaufort was designed (in 1983) for shooting, both by Dame Helen Barbour.

As a result, the Beaufort feels a bit more protective, especially in the rain, and the longer length does cover more, obviously. But it also feels somewhat heavier when wearing it. The Bedale, as is appropriate for riding, is shorter.

Bedale in Navy

Both the Bedale and Beaufort are made of the same 6 oz waxed cotton (as opposed to the Classic which is 6 oz Sylkoil), with the same front combination of Moleskin lined handwarmer pockets above the bellows pockets with drainage holes. They also both have the same style corduroy collar.

Bedale in Sage

The Bedale (in Sage) has two snap studded gusseted side vents to accommodate a saddle.

Barbour Beaufort Wax in Sage

The Beaufort (in Navy) has a rear nylon-lined game pocket (aka poacher's pocket) with zippered access on both sides.

This can be used for game or simply to keep the post dry.

The Beaufort has Velcro fastening nylon inner cuffs, originally designed to break away when lifting your arms quickly to shoot.

The Bedale has woolen knitted inner storm cuffs, originally designed to keep the rain from running down your arms as you hold the reins. The knitted cuffs are warmer but fit less well over a thick cuff of a heavier sweater.

The Bedale has this inner pocket.

The Beaufort has this zipped pocket.

The longer Beaufort has the cotton tartan lining to the hem. The shorter Bedale has nylon on the bottom third. (Both of these jackets are a size 36.)

Both have zip in liners (available separately).

The liners add a considerable amount of warmth, but also bulk.

Both have studs for optional hood (also bought separately). The hoods are now manufactured outside of the UK.

All of these jackets were made in England.

The Navy Beaufort, in both photos above, (a size 36) is about 2 ½ inches longer than the Bedale. This has led some to say that the Beaufort is for males and Bedale is for females. Some women have sized up in the Beaufort as it fits somewhat more tightly around the hips as compared to the forgiving gusseted vents of the Bedale. The sleeves however, will be concomitantly longer.

It may be wise to consider over what garments you will be wearing your jacket and what work you will be doing in it. Some size up one or two sizes to accommodate the heaviest Aran jumpers or sweaters.

How often should you wax your Barbour? Ideally, they should be waxed once a year, although new jackets may initially need it as early as four months old. See this entry: Waxing the Barbour.